gibbon

gib·bon

noun \ˈgi-bən\

Definition of GIBBON

: any of a genus (Hylobates of the family Hylobatidae) of agile brachiating tailless apes of southeastern Asia that are the smallest and most arboreal anthropoid apes

Illustration of GIBBON

Origin of GIBBON

French

First Known Use: 1774

Other Mammals Terms

dormouse, dugong, grimalkin, sable, stoat, ungulate, vole

Rhymes with GIBBON

Gibbon, ribbon

Gib·bon

biographical name \ˈgi-bən\

Definition of GIBBON

Edward 1737–1794 Eng. hist.

— Gib·bon·esque \ˌgi-bə-ˈnesk\ or Gib·bon·ian \gi-ˈbō-nē-ən\ adjective

Rhymes with GIBBON

gibbon, ribbon

gibbon

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Gibbons (family Hylobatidae).—Edmund Appel/Photo Researchers, Inc.

Any of about six species (genus Hylobates) of lesser apes (family Hylobatidae), found in Indo-Malayan forests. Gibbons use their long arms to swing from branch to branch. They walk erect on the ground, live in small groups, and feed on shoots and fruits, as well as on some insects, birds' eggs, and young birds. They have long hair and are about 16–26 in. (40–65 cm) long. Their coats vary from tan or silvery to brown or black. They have large canine teeth, and their voices are noted for their volume, musical quality, and carrying power.